In Vitro and In Vivo Tumor-Targeting siRNA Delivery Using Folate-PEG-appended Dendrimer (G4)/α-Cyclodextrin Conjugates

Bioconjug Chem. 2016 Mar 16;27(3):521-32. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.5b00545. Epub 2016 Jan 13.

Abstract

We previously reported that folate-polyethylene glycol (PEG)-appended dendrimer (generation 3)/α-cyclodextrin conjugate (Fol-PαC (G3)) shows folate receptor-α (FR-α)-overexpressing tumor cell-selective in vitro siRNA transfer activity. However, Fol-PαC (G3)/siRNA complex did not induce a significant in vivo RNAi effect after intravenous administration to tumor-bearing mice, possibly resulting from immediate dissociation of the complex in blood. Herein, to develop the novel siRNA carrier having high blood circulating ability, high in vivo siRNA transfer activity, and high safety profile, we newly prepared Fol-PαCs with higher generation (G4) and evaluated their potential as tumor-targeting siRNA carriers in vitro and in vivo. Fol-PαC (G4, average degree of substitution of α-cyclodextrin (DSC) 2.9, average degree of substitution of folate-PEG (DSF) 2)/siRNA complex had the prominent RNAi effect through adequate physicochemical properties, FR-α-mediated endocytosis, efficient endosomal escape, and siRNA delivery to cytoplasm with negligible cytotoxicity. Importantly, Fol-PαC (G4, DSC2.9, DSF2) improved the serum stability, blood circulating ability, and in vivo RNAi effects of siRNA, compared to Fol-PαC (G3). Furthermore, Fol-PαC (G4, DSC2.9, DSF2) complex with siRNA against Polo-like kinase 1 (siPLK1) suppressed the tumor growth compared to control siRNA complex. These results suggest that Fol-PαC (G4, DSC2.9, DSF2) has the potential as a novel tumor-targeting siRNA carrier in vitro and in vivo.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antineoplastic Agents / pharmacokinetics
  • Cell Line
  • Dendrimers / chemistry*
  • Dendrimers / pharmacokinetics
  • Folic Acid / chemistry*
  • Folic Acid / pharmacokinetics
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Polyethylene Glycols / chemistry*
  • Polyethylene Glycols / pharmacokinetics
  • RNA, Small Interfering / administration & dosage*
  • RNA, Small Interfering / pharmacokinetics
  • alpha-Cyclodextrins / chemistry*
  • alpha-Cyclodextrins / pharmacokinetics

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Dendrimers
  • RNA, Small Interfering
  • alpha-Cyclodextrins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Folic Acid
  • alpha-cyclodextrin